So after a fitful night of sleep, I woke up at 8:15. There were 4 girls using one small bathroom but we all got showers and were headed to breakfast by 9 am. We ate quickly knowing Daina was picking us up @ 9:30. We loaded up again and drive back to Riga.
The building for court was really a simple building with many court rooms. Apparently when Daina sends the paperwork to the court I it goes into the computer system and each case is randomly given a judge (like a lottery) by region. Not everyone goes to the same court that I went to. Another piece of important info. - most latviana take a 6 week vacation but judges take 8 weeks. If your paperwork arrives when the judge is a vacation, no court date is set until the judge returns.
I was nervous, I will not lie. Daina prepared me and her and I talked alot about Leigah and how well she is doing, attaching and learning. I had shown a video Leigah recorded for Daina to show her how much better she was speaking english. So all the typical stuff happened - showing of passport, acknowledging medical diagnosis, there were a lot of formalities with the prosecutor, orphan court representative, Daina and Dace, the translator. The judge asked if I wanted to speak or allow Daina to speak on my behalf. Ummmm...Daina can do it! She related what I had told her over our conversations and things I had told her over the last 4 months in emails. Then Inguna, orphan court rep. Spoke about our time here in Feb-Mar. Then I was asked how are relations with the family particularly me & Micah. I told then how close Leigah & Micah are, how she takes care of Leigah but also cares for her, how Ethan & her joke that they are the twins, how Joe & Leigah have bonded quickly because she has never had a daddy around and how she is an amazing little girl that FITS perfectly!! I also told how the school was excited to work with her and how we have contacted other resources for her. It was encouraging to see the judge smile. After approval from Daina, Inguna and prosecutor, the judge stepped to make her decision. Within five minutes she came back in and read the short version: grant us approval for adoption, change her name to Leigah Allana Friend and write us as her parents on her birth certificate. Then she left quickly. Daina smiled and said congratulations, it's a girl!!! That was it! From start to finish it lasted all of 45 mins.
Our group went to Lido to celebrate. Yummy!! Then I was dropped off so Daina could go work with a family for their 3rd trip. I took a small nap and then headed to the Galleria Riga for dinner. Walked all 5 floors at all the stores. I picked up some bottled tea and came back "home". The rest of the evening has been slightly boring, I can only understand one channel. Headed to bed very soon. Gnite!!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Where to begin?
So today started just like yesterday...slowly get up, shower, get dressed & go eat a typical Latvian breakfast. After returning to my room, brush teeth, check emails while laying in bed, accidentally fall asleep...I woke to the sound of Daina knocking on my door. I love Daina and her incredible smile. After giving her a huge hug she came in to check out the place I'm staying to see if she would recommend this place to future traveling families. And yes, she would!
Cathy & the girls brought their extra luggage to my room and we all piled into Daina's SUV and away we went to Jelgava. This town us about an hour away. We were headed for the Palace that has been renovated to its original character of 1770's. We started our small walk to the palace and decided to use the restrooms that were on the way. All of us but Haley went in. I thought I had locked the door but apparently not because a 60+ year old man walked right in. I don't know who was more shocked him or me?! So in a very freaked out moment he tried to slam the door...but my purse was hanging on the handle and got stuck. Then he quickly tried another one, which Cathy was in-holding the door for all she was worth. Then he tried another, where Lindsey had apparently thought she locked the door but luckily for her, her reaction time was WAY quicker than mine. The hysterical laughter from his family, Daina & Haley was too much!! Daina says I have him a memory he will never forget-poor man!
We'd barely begun our day and we already had an awesome memory....
Anyway, for the next 2+ hours we walked around this palace and the outside garden. Everything was breath taking...What it's weird though & messes with your brain is how light it is outside. We loaded back up & headed to the town where Daina lives & went to her favorite restaurant... Super yummy, wonderful conversation and we were there so long that Daina asked us to her home. She stopped at the small market in town, picked up ice cream, tea & CocaCola. lol We were given a tour of her beautiful garden, home and sweet puppy dogs. We had an afternoon snack, so we thought but maybe an hour later we were leaving & it was already 8 pm but looked like maybe 5:30-6. We drive to our hotel in Jelgava, dropped off our luggage & headed to Cili Pica. We returned to the hotel around 10:30(ish) and quickly prepared for bed.
I got to talk to Joe & Keegan; Keegan left for CIY. I really miss their faces and talking with them everyday!!! But only 3 more days until I can be with them.
Tomorrow its court. I am still anxious but not as much because Daina talked to me about the procedure. I will let you know tomorrow.
Cathy & the girls brought their extra luggage to my room and we all piled into Daina's SUV and away we went to Jelgava. This town us about an hour away. We were headed for the Palace that has been renovated to its original character of 1770's. We started our small walk to the palace and decided to use the restrooms that were on the way. All of us but Haley went in. I thought I had locked the door but apparently not because a 60+ year old man walked right in. I don't know who was more shocked him or me?! So in a very freaked out moment he tried to slam the door...but my purse was hanging on the handle and got stuck. Then he quickly tried another one, which Cathy was in-holding the door for all she was worth. Then he tried another, where Lindsey had apparently thought she locked the door but luckily for her, her reaction time was WAY quicker than mine. The hysterical laughter from his family, Daina & Haley was too much!! Daina says I have him a memory he will never forget-poor man!
We'd barely begun our day and we already had an awesome memory....
Anyway, for the next 2+ hours we walked around this palace and the outside garden. Everything was breath taking...What it's weird though & messes with your brain is how light it is outside. We loaded back up & headed to the town where Daina lives & went to her favorite restaurant... Super yummy, wonderful conversation and we were there so long that Daina asked us to her home. She stopped at the small market in town, picked up ice cream, tea & CocaCola. lol We were given a tour of her beautiful garden, home and sweet puppy dogs. We had an afternoon snack, so we thought but maybe an hour later we were leaving & it was already 8 pm but looked like maybe 5:30-6. We drive to our hotel in Jelgava, dropped off our luggage & headed to Cili Pica. We returned to the hotel around 10:30(ish) and quickly prepared for bed.
I got to talk to Joe & Keegan; Keegan left for CIY. I really miss their faces and talking with them everyday!!! But only 3 more days until I can be with them.
Tomorrow its court. I am still anxious but not as much because Daina talked to me about the procedure. I will let you know tomorrow.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The 2nd trip is underway & so far so good!
I left Springfield @6:30 am and arrived in Latvia @7:45 am Missouri time. There were a few delays but nothing major & I never had to run to a plane. I took the Baltic Air van to the B&B for only 3Lats. They are available at the airport & your hotel every 25 mins. .
My B&B is comfortable and quiet. I did get a little nervous when we piled up because there was graffiti on the front of the building but I honestly feel safe. It is a non-smoking establishment. Like most places in Latvia there, it doesn't have AC. But it wasn't uncomfortable at all because temps are in the 70's with a cool breeze. This morning I woke up wondering what breakfast would be....they had hard-boiled eggs, lham & cheese, freshly sliced veggies, sausage, today and free lattes! It was interesting and I wanted to just sit there and take it all in because no one was from Latvia. The couple I ate with were from Spain and we laughed alot without saying much because a bee flew in the window & decided he liked our table best.
After arriving yesterday, I cleaned up a bit and walked about 2 miles to one of many Double Coffees. I met Cathy & her girls there. Cathy's oldest daughter never slept on the plane & was struggling to stay awake but had such a great attitude. We decided to head back to our separate places because it started to drizzle. I made a stop for a fresh flower to put in my room and another to get some bottled water.
I didn't have any problems getting to sleep but woke up around 3am. I played a few games on my phone & then went back to sleep from 4-9.
Todays plans are to walk to the nearest perfume store. They are all over the town and their products are made in Latvia and are not too expensive. I may make it to the market but really have no plans.
Nothing too exciting going on. Until tomorrow night...
I left Springfield @6:30 am and arrived in Latvia @7:45 am Missouri time. There were a few delays but nothing major & I never had to run to a plane. I took the Baltic Air van to the B&B for only 3Lats. They are available at the airport & your hotel every 25 mins. .
My B&B is comfortable and quiet. I did get a little nervous when we piled up because there was graffiti on the front of the building but I honestly feel safe. It is a non-smoking establishment. Like most places in Latvia there, it doesn't have AC. But it wasn't uncomfortable at all because temps are in the 70's with a cool breeze. This morning I woke up wondering what breakfast would be....they had hard-boiled eggs, lham & cheese, freshly sliced veggies, sausage, today and free lattes! It was interesting and I wanted to just sit there and take it all in because no one was from Latvia. The couple I ate with were from Spain and we laughed alot without saying much because a bee flew in the window & decided he liked our table best.
After arriving yesterday, I cleaned up a bit and walked about 2 miles to one of many Double Coffees. I met Cathy & her girls there. Cathy's oldest daughter never slept on the plane & was struggling to stay awake but had such a great attitude. We decided to head back to our separate places because it started to drizzle. I made a stop for a fresh flower to put in my room and another to get some bottled water.
I didn't have any problems getting to sleep but woke up around 3am. I played a few games on my phone & then went back to sleep from 4-9.
Todays plans are to walk to the nearest perfume store. They are all over the town and their products are made in Latvia and are not too expensive. I may make it to the market but really have no plans.
Nothing too exciting going on. Until tomorrow night...
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Off again....
So tomorrow I, Brenna, will head off to Latvia once again. I am traveling by myself for this 2nd trip and am feeling okay about this. I think if I had to do the 1st trip by myself I would be more nervous but I was fortunate to have Joe by my side every step of the way. Having spent 24 days in Latvia, I feel confident enough to make my way around the lovely city of Riga, Latvia.
My plane leaves Springfield, MO at 6:30am and from there I go to Memphis, TN & Atlanta, GA. I will board the ginourmous plane for Prague, Chech Republic and then to Riga. All in all I will be in the air 14 hours and total travel time from Springfield to Riga is 24 hours. Yes, unfortunately there are all those lovely layovers. The way there has shorter layover times. On my way back I will literally have just over 24 hours of layovers in 2 airports.
So the purpose of this trip is to go to the Latvian High Court on July 25th and be asked dozens of questions and then to make it official that Liga Lukasova becomes Leigah Allana Friend. She is beside herself with excitement knowing that she will be changing her name. The name change isn't actually official until a 20 day waiting period and approx. 10 days of paperwork waiting. After that we will return (Leigah, Micah and myself) for all her US Citizenship stuff with the US Embassy.
I'm not worried about the travel and not even really "worried" about the court but slightly anxious because of uncertainty. Our wonderful lawyer, Daina, has said that the orphan court is so happy with us and that we have all blended as a family with Leigah. It's just the unknown and during those times I look to Joe. Guess I will be looking to Daina. I know some of the questions are supposed to be: "Why do you want to adopt? Why from Latvia? Why a child with special needs? What have you been doing with Leigah in the last 4 months? How have you worked on her schooling? How has her english improved? Medically speaking, what have you done? What are your future plans for her medically, educationally, socially, spiritually?" Just to name a few. I've been told this court can last 20 mins or 2 hours. I think that big gap is what has me anxious.
On the homefront news:
Leigah, Ethan and Micah are all at camp as I write this. I went to visit them last night and they are all having an incredible time. Leigah was slightly sunburned on her nose and cheeks but besides that she was having a blast. She talked a mile a minute about things people say, songs they learned, funny stories, etc. The adult staff has taken to her immediately. The campers have mixed reactions. Some thought that she was mentally retarded because she couldn't talk like them. Some love her accent and just want her to talk, some are enjoying the novelty of Leigah all day/everyday, while others are interested for a few minutes and then are off doing their own things. Micah is such an amazing big sister. She helps Leigah in everything. I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming. She's strong of heart and mind, but especially character. Ethan was really sunburned and was glad he had his momma there for a few hours. He's already showing signs of distress over me leaving, especially since he is at camp and can't be there at the airport. I think it's a God thing. The airport is toooo hard. Keegan and Joe are currently Kayaking with Joe's older brother down the Nianga River (close to here) and won't be home till this evening.
Joe and Keegan will take me to the airport tomorrow morning, so that I can be there by 5:30am. That means we have to leave no later than 4:15am. UGH!!! I think I may just stay up all night and then be so tired later when we are on our long flights. I say we because my adoption coordinator, Cathy Sawyer, is also headed to Latvia with her two teenage daughters at the same time. We will fly from Atlanta to Prague to Riga together. Okay, that's probably another reason why I'm no too nervous about traveling. We have made plans to eat dinner together after getting settled in our hotels. Saturday they have no plans but I want to venture to the North end of Riga to a mall that has a large RIMI store (kinda like a Target) and it has tons of books in Latvian that I want to purchase for Leigah. But we'll see how it goes.
Well, I will do my best to keep you all posted on the ins & outs of this trip. No one says much about this 2nd trip because it is so short but again that instilled uncertainty in me!
Chat with you when I'm on the other side.
My plane leaves Springfield, MO at 6:30am and from there I go to Memphis, TN & Atlanta, GA. I will board the ginourmous plane for Prague, Chech Republic and then to Riga. All in all I will be in the air 14 hours and total travel time from Springfield to Riga is 24 hours. Yes, unfortunately there are all those lovely layovers. The way there has shorter layover times. On my way back I will literally have just over 24 hours of layovers in 2 airports.
So the purpose of this trip is to go to the Latvian High Court on July 25th and be asked dozens of questions and then to make it official that Liga Lukasova becomes Leigah Allana Friend. She is beside herself with excitement knowing that she will be changing her name. The name change isn't actually official until a 20 day waiting period and approx. 10 days of paperwork waiting. After that we will return (Leigah, Micah and myself) for all her US Citizenship stuff with the US Embassy.
I'm not worried about the travel and not even really "worried" about the court but slightly anxious because of uncertainty. Our wonderful lawyer, Daina, has said that the orphan court is so happy with us and that we have all blended as a family with Leigah. It's just the unknown and during those times I look to Joe. Guess I will be looking to Daina. I know some of the questions are supposed to be: "Why do you want to adopt? Why from Latvia? Why a child with special needs? What have you been doing with Leigah in the last 4 months? How have you worked on her schooling? How has her english improved? Medically speaking, what have you done? What are your future plans for her medically, educationally, socially, spiritually?" Just to name a few. I've been told this court can last 20 mins or 2 hours. I think that big gap is what has me anxious.
On the homefront news:
Leigah, Ethan and Micah are all at camp as I write this. I went to visit them last night and they are all having an incredible time. Leigah was slightly sunburned on her nose and cheeks but besides that she was having a blast. She talked a mile a minute about things people say, songs they learned, funny stories, etc. The adult staff has taken to her immediately. The campers have mixed reactions. Some thought that she was mentally retarded because she couldn't talk like them. Some love her accent and just want her to talk, some are enjoying the novelty of Leigah all day/everyday, while others are interested for a few minutes and then are off doing their own things. Micah is such an amazing big sister. She helps Leigah in everything. I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming. She's strong of heart and mind, but especially character. Ethan was really sunburned and was glad he had his momma there for a few hours. He's already showing signs of distress over me leaving, especially since he is at camp and can't be there at the airport. I think it's a God thing. The airport is toooo hard. Keegan and Joe are currently Kayaking with Joe's older brother down the Nianga River (close to here) and won't be home till this evening.
Joe and Keegan will take me to the airport tomorrow morning, so that I can be there by 5:30am. That means we have to leave no later than 4:15am. UGH!!! I think I may just stay up all night and then be so tired later when we are on our long flights. I say we because my adoption coordinator, Cathy Sawyer, is also headed to Latvia with her two teenage daughters at the same time. We will fly from Atlanta to Prague to Riga together. Okay, that's probably another reason why I'm no too nervous about traveling. We have made plans to eat dinner together after getting settled in our hotels. Saturday they have no plans but I want to venture to the North end of Riga to a mall that has a large RIMI store (kinda like a Target) and it has tons of books in Latvian that I want to purchase for Leigah. But we'll see how it goes.
Well, I will do my best to keep you all posted on the ins & outs of this trip. No one says much about this 2nd trip because it is so short but again that instilled uncertainty in me!
Chat with you when I'm on the other side.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Hello again...
When a member of our family is on the toilet a long time, it its asked of them if the fell in....
Well, I've been off here for some time and no I haven't fallen in. Life happens and busyness interrupts!! The Friend family is doing good. I know we have said this and that seems like a simple answer but we are good. Let me explain...Micah has been the only little girl in our everyday lives for 13 years. Her & I went on girl outings, laughed together, had our own jokes, she was the first born grandbaby girl on both sides and I have often said if your daughter could be your best friend, next to Joe, Micah was mine. (Yes, I am getting to the point!) My biggest concern in this adoption has always been Micah. Will she feel pushed side, will our relationship change, will she worry about our love for her & will she accept Leigah as her sister after the whole Meggie ordeal. Let me say this: they are really sweet sisters! There are days when Micah needs a little space but overall, they get along so well. Micah cares for her and helps take care of her. Besides the lack of English & her low vision, Leigah has a few developmental & mental delays. Micah has the heart of Mother Tereasa (sp) w/ a streak of good humor when dealing daily with Leigah. So when I say we are doing good......we are!!! We don't have sibling rivalry or fighting (well, anymore than we did before Leigah came home). I never really worried about the boys because they both have hearts of compassion and a natural inclination to protect their family, especially us girls. Ethan is so sweet when we are out and about, because he will grab Leigahs hand and walk with her. The other day we were walking from the van at the back of the parking lot into a wedding reception and he grabbed her hand and I asked him why....his reply, "she is my twin sister and and I can!" OKAY! :) (she definitely looks like she belongs in our family with her blond hair & blue eyes - but the fact that her & Ethan are the same age makes her his twin!)
We have had a busy summer. My niece & nephew have been with us since May 24 (my niece actually went home a week ago to go to summer school & put a little more structure in her life). Tanner will be with us until the end of June. We'd love for him to stay until the end of July but my sis & BIL would miss him to much. The boys have been kayaking many times, we've made it to the pool , weddings, work & vegging out during the summer. Leigah is doing "summer school" to help her get ready for the fall. Starting next week the kids will head to camp. Leigah, Ethan & Micah will all go together. Micah was supposed to go this week for 8th & 9th graders but she would have gone by herself and her friend Faith is the only girl besides Leigah during 6th & 7th grade week, so she is going then. So it will be very quiet at our home at the end of July. Keegan, Joe & Micah are helping at a week of camp as well.
On the adoption front:
I will head to Latvia July 21-27 for our second court. I'm actually staying a few extra days because it will save me a lot on airplane tickets and my hotel room is cheap. It's safe and its a bed. While there I will met my adoption coordinator from GA for the first time. I feel like I already know her because she is been such a vital party of our adoption, not just with the logistic part but emotionally she helped me walk over some hurdles. I'm also trying to arrange an opportunity to visit Leigahs old orphanage and school. Our lawyer, Daina suggested we not attempt to go there on our first trip but since I have extra days, I'm hoping she can help me. Leigah won't be there to be emotionally scarred or fearful that she is going back and I can see where my daughter spent 10 years of her life. This trip will make Leigah officially ours, after the 21 day waiting period & the 10 day paperwork trail. We will be able to schedule our 3rd trip for the US Embassy.
We are trying to schedule another fundraiser for July. We own an inflatable business & thought that we would set up 5-6 inflatables and charge $5 for unlimited play on a Fri or Sat evening & also have concessions available. I don't know how well it will do but its worth the try.
I will do better at posting...maybe?!! ;)
Well, I've been off here for some time and no I haven't fallen in. Life happens and busyness interrupts!! The Friend family is doing good. I know we have said this and that seems like a simple answer but we are good. Let me explain...Micah has been the only little girl in our everyday lives for 13 years. Her & I went on girl outings, laughed together, had our own jokes, she was the first born grandbaby girl on both sides and I have often said if your daughter could be your best friend, next to Joe, Micah was mine. (Yes, I am getting to the point!) My biggest concern in this adoption has always been Micah. Will she feel pushed side, will our relationship change, will she worry about our love for her & will she accept Leigah as her sister after the whole Meggie ordeal. Let me say this: they are really sweet sisters! There are days when Micah needs a little space but overall, they get along so well. Micah cares for her and helps take care of her. Besides the lack of English & her low vision, Leigah has a few developmental & mental delays. Micah has the heart of Mother Tereasa (sp) w/ a streak of good humor when dealing daily with Leigah. So when I say we are doing good......we are!!! We don't have sibling rivalry or fighting (well, anymore than we did before Leigah came home). I never really worried about the boys because they both have hearts of compassion and a natural inclination to protect their family, especially us girls. Ethan is so sweet when we are out and about, because he will grab Leigahs hand and walk with her. The other day we were walking from the van at the back of the parking lot into a wedding reception and he grabbed her hand and I asked him why....his reply, "she is my twin sister and and I can!" OKAY! :) (she definitely looks like she belongs in our family with her blond hair & blue eyes - but the fact that her & Ethan are the same age makes her his twin!)
We have had a busy summer. My niece & nephew have been with us since May 24 (my niece actually went home a week ago to go to summer school & put a little more structure in her life). Tanner will be with us until the end of June. We'd love for him to stay until the end of July but my sis & BIL would miss him to much. The boys have been kayaking many times, we've made it to the pool , weddings, work & vegging out during the summer. Leigah is doing "summer school" to help her get ready for the fall. Starting next week the kids will head to camp. Leigah, Ethan & Micah will all go together. Micah was supposed to go this week for 8th & 9th graders but she would have gone by herself and her friend Faith is the only girl besides Leigah during 6th & 7th grade week, so she is going then. So it will be very quiet at our home at the end of July. Keegan, Joe & Micah are helping at a week of camp as well.
On the adoption front:
I will head to Latvia July 21-27 for our second court. I'm actually staying a few extra days because it will save me a lot on airplane tickets and my hotel room is cheap. It's safe and its a bed. While there I will met my adoption coordinator from GA for the first time. I feel like I already know her because she is been such a vital party of our adoption, not just with the logistic part but emotionally she helped me walk over some hurdles. I'm also trying to arrange an opportunity to visit Leigahs old orphanage and school. Our lawyer, Daina suggested we not attempt to go there on our first trip but since I have extra days, I'm hoping she can help me. Leigah won't be there to be emotionally scarred or fearful that she is going back and I can see where my daughter spent 10 years of her life. This trip will make Leigah officially ours, after the 21 day waiting period & the 10 day paperwork trail. We will be able to schedule our 3rd trip for the US Embassy.
We are trying to schedule another fundraiser for July. We own an inflatable business & thought that we would set up 5-6 inflatables and charge $5 for unlimited play on a Fri or Sat evening & also have concessions available. I don't know how well it will do but its worth the try.
I will do better at posting...maybe?!! ;)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day!
Today is one of those days where I look back at my life as a mom and realize I sure wish there was a handbook for parenting each individual child. I probably would have ignored some of the stuff because really that's more my personality (I like to do things MY WAY sometimes) but it would have been nice. But... then I think that I wouldn't know my children the way I'm supposed to. Each child that I live with is unique and each one has things that annoy or delight me. Let me tell you about each one from my eyes:
Keegan Thomas Friend, born October 19, 1995 came into this world with babies for parents. We were so young and so unsure of what we were doing but he thrived. Keegan is a hard worker just like his dad. He enjoys spending time with Joe learning new things and experiencing the life of a pastor. He is driven to succeed!!! Keegan is also so compassionate (when he wants to be). He has a soft heart and cares for his family, very much! He is also a protector. He wouldn't let anyone hurt his siblings (other than him) or his family. He walks with his sisters to the restroom at Wal-Mart, just to be sure no one takes them. Keegan has a lot of energy but as he matures he is showing great self-control and strength. Keeg is also incredibly smart and loves to help his sister with her math! Praise the Lord!
Micah Briane Friend, born September 11, 1997. Micah took her time coming into this world. She had to be sure she was done. She is a laid back, sensitive and yet very outgoing. Micah is probably my best friend, besides Joe and I enjoy spending time with her, whether it's heading to the doctors, going grocery shopping or just sitting next to her while we both are deep into reading a good book. Micah loves the written word. She can't wait to read the next conflict or hilarious moment in her book. Micah is so good with little chilren, even though she doesn't think so. As I said, Micah is sensitive and has such compassion for those that are hurting or all alone. She is the one to find the lone ranger out there and befriend them.
Leigah Allana Friend, born June 15, 1999 to Oksana Lukasove, a mom of two premature babies that were struggling to hang on to life. Leigah has only been in our lives for almost 2 months but she fits so perfectly that it seems like she always been there. Leigah is so happy, easily entertained and happy (did I already say that?). She loves life and loves to laugh. In fact her initials are LAF, Laugh?! That's her in a nutshell. She is working so hard a learning english and how to "fit" in this strange, new world. She is very sensitive, too. But has a great sense of humor. Leigah completes our family, like the last piece of a puzzle completes the puzzle! She sings, dances and laughs all day long!
Ethan Troy Friend, born November 26, 1999, the day after Thanksgiving that year. Compassion...That's Ethan! He is a sensitive soul and he is the snuggler, lover. Ethan loves to play games and interact with his siblings all the time. He is thoughtful and considerate of those he's around and when he goes to a friend's house, they often say how well behaved he is, which makes us so proud. Ethan has always struggle with school but he has never let that get him down. At each milestone for school, he would want to display his accomplishment to the whole family. This year he has "wowed" us with all that he has done. In fact, we are 2 weeks from being done with school and he has been done with English and Science for 2 weeks. He has been doing 3-4 lessons in Math to get done quickly.
I am so proud of my children and how the have grown into amazing young adults. I pray that they grow into adults that Love the Lord with all their hearts and will one day meet a person to fall in love with that also Loves the Lord with all their hearts.
***Adoption Update: I will travel around July 25th for the 2nd court with the Latvian High Court. This will make Leigah ours officially. We will have one more trip to Latvia. Leigah, Micah and I will travel for approximately 8 days to get all the US Citizenship paperwork done at the US Embassy. It will happen before Oct 9 because we have to be in Latvia by then per Leigah's Visa.
Keegan Thomas Friend, born October 19, 1995 came into this world with babies for parents. We were so young and so unsure of what we were doing but he thrived. Keegan is a hard worker just like his dad. He enjoys spending time with Joe learning new things and experiencing the life of a pastor. He is driven to succeed!!! Keegan is also so compassionate (when he wants to be). He has a soft heart and cares for his family, very much! He is also a protector. He wouldn't let anyone hurt his siblings (other than him) or his family. He walks with his sisters to the restroom at Wal-Mart, just to be sure no one takes them. Keegan has a lot of energy but as he matures he is showing great self-control and strength. Keeg is also incredibly smart and loves to help his sister with her math! Praise the Lord!
Micah Briane Friend, born September 11, 1997. Micah took her time coming into this world. She had to be sure she was done. She is a laid back, sensitive and yet very outgoing. Micah is probably my best friend, besides Joe and I enjoy spending time with her, whether it's heading to the doctors, going grocery shopping or just sitting next to her while we both are deep into reading a good book. Micah loves the written word. She can't wait to read the next conflict or hilarious moment in her book. Micah is so good with little chilren, even though she doesn't think so. As I said, Micah is sensitive and has such compassion for those that are hurting or all alone. She is the one to find the lone ranger out there and befriend them.
Leigah Allana Friend, born June 15, 1999 to Oksana Lukasove, a mom of two premature babies that were struggling to hang on to life. Leigah has only been in our lives for almost 2 months but she fits so perfectly that it seems like she always been there. Leigah is so happy, easily entertained and happy (did I already say that?). She loves life and loves to laugh. In fact her initials are LAF, Laugh?! That's her in a nutshell. She is working so hard a learning english and how to "fit" in this strange, new world. She is very sensitive, too. But has a great sense of humor. Leigah completes our family, like the last piece of a puzzle completes the puzzle! She sings, dances and laughs all day long!
Ethan Troy Friend, born November 26, 1999, the day after Thanksgiving that year. Compassion...That's Ethan! He is a sensitive soul and he is the snuggler, lover. Ethan loves to play games and interact with his siblings all the time. He is thoughtful and considerate of those he's around and when he goes to a friend's house, they often say how well behaved he is, which makes us so proud. Ethan has always struggle with school but he has never let that get him down. At each milestone for school, he would want to display his accomplishment to the whole family. This year he has "wowed" us with all that he has done. In fact, we are 2 weeks from being done with school and he has been done with English and Science for 2 weeks. He has been doing 3-4 lessons in Math to get done quickly.
I am so proud of my children and how the have grown into amazing young adults. I pray that they grow into adults that Love the Lord with all their hearts and will one day meet a person to fall in love with that also Loves the Lord with all their hearts.
***Adoption Update: I will travel around July 25th for the 2nd court with the Latvian High Court. This will make Leigah ours officially. We will have one more trip to Latvia. Leigah, Micah and I will travel for approximately 8 days to get all the US Citizenship paperwork done at the US Embassy. It will happen before Oct 9 because we have to be in Latvia by then per Leigah's Visa.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
We are doing good and learning to adjust to having a new member of the family. Because everything is new or newer, we repeat a lot. Leigah is picking up on english and continues to surprise us with new phrases. Everyday we work on "routine" - get up, make your bed, get dressed, straighten your room, brush your hair, fed your animal (Leigah has had the same one for 5 weeks because she can't remember to feed and water the birds without her sibling partner reminding her - routine), eat breakfast, brush teeth and start school work. Everyday its the same thing, over and over again. But she is getting so used to doing it, she doesn't need reminding. Which this mom loves! We have had no problems with eating or sleeping, no issues of defiance, and no noticeable issues with attachment or lack of it. She is not perfect or lacking in annoying tendencies. But she is our daughter and much like her three siblings! They ask have days where they annoy each other our us parents, there are days when they something wrong but on the end - so what...they are our beautiful children. God has blessed its with for children that are alot alike and yet so different.
I have tried to download pics from my phone and it doesn't work (at least for me). I quill go to Joes office and try to download homecoming pics, easter egg hunt, and easter day pics!
Now that we have been home for 7 weeks, we can look back at our trip to Latvia and see that 26 days is a long time but it gave us the chance to get to know Leigah on her turf. The leaving the kids part was awful but God took care of is. My kids are not forever traumatized from our lengthy stay. They, of anything have learned to appreciate us more and not take for granted that we will always be there. They are more prepared for me to go on our second trip but maybe that has to do with Joe is going to be home.
Are there days when I'm exhausted and just want to crawl into bed and try to forget that ou hage for children that still need me? Yep but it doesn't last too long and I am reminded how previous a gift each one is and how blessed that they call me mom!
Until next time!
I have tried to download pics from my phone and it doesn't work (at least for me). I quill go to Joes office and try to download homecoming pics, easter egg hunt, and easter day pics!
Now that we have been home for 7 weeks, we can look back at our trip to Latvia and see that 26 days is a long time but it gave us the chance to get to know Leigah on her turf. The leaving the kids part was awful but God took care of is. My kids are not forever traumatized from our lengthy stay. They, of anything have learned to appreciate us more and not take for granted that we will always be there. They are more prepared for me to go on our second trip but maybe that has to do with Joe is going to be home.
Are there days when I'm exhausted and just want to crawl into bed and try to forget that ou hage for children that still need me? Yep but it doesn't last too long and I am reminded how previous a gift each one is and how blessed that they call me mom!
Until next time!
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